Electronic fuel selection switch system

Abstract

Devices and methods for providing a switch for selecting which of a number of fuel valves receives power. The switch preferably provides a delay between the powering down of a first fuel valve and the powering up of a second fuel valve. Also included are systems and methods for providing an electrical, printed circuit board mountable safety switch for switching fuel sources in a multi-fuel burning system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is related to methods and systems for introducing a delay to a fuel selection switch. In particular, the present invention is related to providing an electronic switch system that safely provides both a switching and a hesitation function.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Dual or multi-fuel burners are used for a variety of reasons in a number of applications. When switching from the use of one fuel to another, safety regulations require the inclusion of a delay to interrupt burner operation to prevent the firing of the previously used fuel from interfering with the firing of the newly selected fuel. The amount of delay needed is generally less than a second. In the past, mechanical hesitation mechanisms have been used to create a delay. For example, some hesitation switches require a slide, switch or button to be depressed or moved to deactivate a first fuel valve. The slide, switch or button is then released for a moment, and depres...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an electronic fuel selection switch that has both switching and delay features. The switches can be easily mounted on a printed circuit board and integrated with other electronics that provide additional safety and monitoring functions. The switches use components that are readily available and can be easily integrated. The switches have both a first switching device and a second switching device that open and close in response to a corresponding control signal. The switches have both a first delay element and a second delay element that each have an input signal and an output signal. The input signals are controlled, either directly or indirectly, by a mechanical or other switch that causes one of the input signals to be in one state or the other. The output of the first delay element is used as the control signal for the first switching device, and the output of the second delay element is used as the control signal for the second switching device. The delay elements help provide a delay to the control signals that cause the switching devices to open or close after a change in the input signals to the delay elements is sensed. The control signals are taken from the output signals of the delay elements. The delay elements may be reset and disabled to change the delay between the deselection of one fuel valve and the selection of another fuel valve. The switches can be used in any application where a delay is needed between the deselection of one state and the selection of another.

Problems solved by technology

Such mechanical hesitation switches are often bulky and typically are not suited for mounting on a printed circuit board.

Further, a mechanical switch of this sort typically is not easily or readily integrated with electronics, which may perform other safety and / or operational functions.

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